I Fix, Something Else Breaks RCA VDT-350

[TinCanAlley]

Originally Posted by Username1

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That is an old unit, so most likely that machine has a separate audio head. As for the
picture, I would bet the drum speed is off, clean the tape heads on the drum first,
after that you need to get that 1 1/2" thick manual that they use to print for
fixing those units and start looking at drum speed regulation.... I would turn
the H. Hold on the tv and see if you can get it to lock, If it does, is the
color present, and is it locked...... Have fun.... Nice old unit. I got
an older one I still have not turned on yet... Make that 2......
If it locks and the picture is not complete, lots of white
drop outs, I would clean the heads a few times.....
Don't go up and down, clean with the direction
of spin only.......

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I have the Sams Photofacts SM and I believe it has all I might need. I believe the speed/timing belt is one that has three variants and I have the original. Before the solenoid issue, the image was good, so I'm not sure why it is acting up now. I connected it to an LG OLED via tuner and the picture was better than the old Zenith, but seemed as though it was pulsing.

I'll get out the tightly wrapped swabs I've used in the past and the 99% IPA and go over the heads and tape path. I'll also demagnetize it. Hopefully that's all it requires.